Home Conditions & Treatments Conditions Patellar dislocation and instability

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The kneecap (patella) glides over a small groove at the end of the thighbone (femur) when you bend or straighten your leg. If the kneecap slips out of position, it dislocates and becomes unstable. The most common cause is turning your body while your foot remains planted on the ground, during sport or dance for example, but it can also result from a direct blow during a contact sport or fall.

Knee pain, the knee giving way when walking, stiffness, swelling and/or cracking sounds while moving.

A physical exam is usually enough to diagnose patellar dislocation, but X-rays and an MRI may also be needed.

Non-surgical interventions, such as physical therapy or wearing a brace, are the first line of treatment. In severe cases or repeat dislocations, surgery may be performed to realign the bones or tighten the tendons to keep the kneecap in place.